My practice emphasizes probate and estate planning issues. I have handled dozens of probates and drafted hundreds of wills during my career. I understand the issues and the potential problems which may occur when an estate plan is put into operation. I have handled probates involving as little as $2,000.00, and as much as $5,000,000.00. I have also served as an executor in some probates, so I know from the inside the work an executor must perform to complete a probate.
I have been practicing with Zender Thurston since 1974. Prior to 1974, I worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington, worked for a year as an associate with LeCocq, Simonarson & Durnan, and had my own private practice.
I now work at the law office parts of 4 days per week. My spare time is spent with my wife, children, grandchildren, and bees.
Practice areas
56 years, 2,500 cases
56 years, 250 cases
56 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English
Zender Thurston, P.S. Attorneys at Law
P.O.Box 631
1610 Grover Street
Lynden, WA, 98264-0631
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1966 | 06/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 195 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Leadership Award | Whatcom County Volunteer Lawyer Program | 1995 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
City Attorney | City of Lynden | 1975 - 2001 |
Attorney | Birch Bay water & Sewer District | 1974 - 1999 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington State Bar Association | Member | N/A |
Whatcom County Bar Association | Past President | N/A |
Whatcom County Volunteer Lawyer Program | Board Chairman | 1993 - 1995 |
Whatcom County Volunteer Lawyer Program | Board Member | 1987 - 1995 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Washington School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1966 |
University of Washington | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1963 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Annual Estate Planning Seminar | Estate Planning | 2011 |
Annual Estate Planning Seminar | Estate Planning | 2010 |
Annual Estate Planning Seminar | Estate Planning | 2009 |
Annual Estate Planning Seminar | Estate Planning | 2008 |
Whatcom County Bar Ass'n CLE | Ethics of Probate and Estate Planning Law | 2004 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
USDA vs. DeJong Packing Company | 2-1 split decision in US 9th Circuit-lost |
Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Nov 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Sean Cleary, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.
Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Nov 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Sean Cleary, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.
Golnar Sargeant, Unknown Attorney on Sep 19, 2013
Relationship: Other
I always look forward to reading Mr. Visser's sage advice on AVVO. He is a top notch attorney with an impeccable reputation.
Justin Elder, Unknown Attorney on Mar 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Visser is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
Howard Roitman, Probate Attorney on Oct 28, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
James Frederick, Probate Attorney on Oct 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Because Attorney Visser and I practice in some of the same areas of law, I have had a chance to review many of his answers. I find that he is always right on the law, and is able to provide both practical and helpful advice. He is an attorney I want to be like when I grow up! He is an outstanding resource for the Avvo community and I am happy to recommend him and his services. James Frederick
Mary Quin, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Visser is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and true credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services.
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Feb 7, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.